First picture: 2004 Citroen Xsara WRC.

World Rally Champions, Citroen, yesterday showed its latest look for the triumphant Xsara WRC car ready for the start of this year's 16 event world rally championship at Monte Carlo this week [22nd to 25th January].

The Xsara has an enviable record on the Monte Carlo Rally having taken all three podium places last year, its first full season, and second place the year before when it competed as part of the car's development programme.

Last year's winner, 29 year old French sensation, Sebastien Loeb will this year drive car #3 whilst team-mate Carlos Sainz, takes car #4.

Both Citroen drivers are unique in that they are the only two drivers in the entire field who have won the Monte Carlo Rally on previous occasions.

Yet despite this pedigree and starting as rally favourite, Loeb mixes caution with confidence: "Like everyone, I want to do well but starting favourite is an added pressure, but one I have had experience of. The five asphalt rallies we did in 2003 did not all end well, but I won three of them and momentarily led the other two. That's good for confidence."

During 2003 the Citroen Xsara WRC won the manufacturer's title amassing 160 points with 13 podium finishes including seconds in Australia and Rally Wales GB and four outright rally wins - Monte Carlo, Turkey, Germany and San Remo.